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We’re three months into 2023 and wrapping up our first quarter. So, as a PCB fabricator, what’s on your mind? Is it time to assess, and perhaps reassess, your expectations for the year and whether your reality is meeting your predictions? What are the obstacles to your business right now?
We’re three months into 2023 and wrapping up our first quarter. So, as a PCB fabricator, what’s on your mind? Is it time to assess, and perhaps reassess, your expectations for the year and whether your reality is meeting your predictions? What are you hopeful about? What’s making you nervous? What are the opportunities and the obstacles to your business right now?
Feature Interviews
Feature Columns
Columns
It’s time to amp up your business with your newfound knowledge. In this issue, our expert contributors provide methodologies for you to create your own post-show plan of action and identify the important points to consider within that plan.
It’s time to amp up your business with your newfound knowledge. In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, our expert contributors provide methodologies for you to create your own post-show plan of action and identify the important points to consider within that plan. We also provide ways to implement these process steps. Readers will learn various paths for implementing their post-show plan across multiple teams within their company.
Features
Columns
Articles
In this issue, we open the discussion about how advanced packaging will change the structure of the PCB fabrication industry. Are there strategic opportunities–new directions in which to shift your business–in this new space?
As semiconductor companies seek ways to prolong Moore's Law, new advanced component packaging techniques, and in-package substrates, are blurring the boundaries between printed circuit fabrication and semiconductor fabrication. Are there strategic opportunities–new directions in which to shift your business–in this new space? In this issue, we open the discussion about how advanced packaging will change the structure of our industry.
Featured Articles and Interviews
Substrate Manufacturing: What Does It Take? with Jan Vardman
Heterogenous Integration Technologies Driving Advanced Packaging Solutions by Charles Woychik
Advanced Packaging Beyond the Zetabyte Era by Tom Rucker
MKS' Atotech: Chemically Connecting the Industry with Tobias Helbech
The Impact of Chip Packaging by Chuck Bauer
Everyone Wants Change: Who Wants to Lead the Way? with Mark Goodwin and Alun Morgan
Feature Columns
An Evolution by Nolan Johnson
An Advanced Packaging Year in Review by John Mitchell
Advanced Packaging Not Just a Passing Fad by John Watson
Columns
Protocols for a Smart Factory Future by Happy Holden
A Tale of Two Towers by Paige Fiet
Turning Into the Wind by Todd Kolmodin
The Subtractive Vision by Chris Bonsell
In this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine, we bring you a preview of IPC APEX EXPO 2023 with articles and interviews from show organizers, committee leaders, and instructors. We even have one article designed to help you justify to your manager why you need to attend this show.
It's almost 2023, and we’re looking forward to meeting up with many of you at IPC APEX EXPO 2023. There’s a lot of excitement around this show, and the event is shaping up to match expectations. This year, IPC APEX EXPO has 373 exhibitors signed up, and more classes—with better content—in the Professional Development and Technical Conference sections than we can remember. So, in this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine, we bring you a preview of IPC APEX EXPO 2023.
This month, we bring you articles and interviews with show organizers, committee leaders, and instructors. We even have one article designed to help you justify to your manager why you need to attend this show.
And once you’re on the show floor, stop by and chat with us. We’ll be manning our state-of-the-art I-Connect007 booth throughout the week. Editors and guest editors will be conducting scores of Real Time with… I-Connect007 video interviews with the industry’s top engineers, managers, and executives.
We hope you all have a fantastic holiday season, and hope to see you in San Diego next month. Have a Happy New Year!
Features
On With the Show, by Andy Shaughnessy
Industry Innovation Starts Here, by IPC Staff
Advance in a New Era, by John W. Mitchell
STEM Program: Evolving and Growing, by Charlene Gunter du Plessis
Standards Committees: Moving Faster, Working Better, a conversation with Teresa Rowe
Women in Electronics Reception, by Alicia Balonek
How Networking Opens Doors, by Hannah Nelson
The First India Pavilion, by Gaurab Majumdar
Let’s Get Technical, by Julia Gumminger
Show Floor Highlights, by Alicia Balonek
What’s New in Tech? by Shawn DuBravak
It’s All in the App, by Kim DiCianni
The Value of Training Committees, by Zenaida Valianu
Special Session Sneak Peak, by Julia Gumminger
Reconnecting the Social Network, by Alicia Balonek
Next-level Professional Development, by Julia Gumminger
Launching IPC Community Magazine, by Michele Te
Columns
Revisiting the Art and Science of Photoresist Stripping, by Michael Carano
Coming Back to Life: Design Recovery, by Todd Kolmodin
Basics of Cupric Chloride Etchant, by Chris Bonsell
The Three Essential Ingredients of Reshoring, by Travis Kelly
A Primer on Using Flexible Circuits in Printed Electronics, by Happy Holden
Even as HDI finally moves into the mainstream, UHDI is following right behind. In this issue, we launch the conversation into the strategic value of UHDI technology on the future of the PCB industry.
Even as HDI finally moves into the mainstream, UHDI is following right behind. In this issue, we launch the conversation into the strategic value of UHDI technology on the future of the PCB industry. What is UHDI? Why does it matter? What is involved in adding UHDI to your manufacturing portfolio? Are there customers looking for this technology today?
Features
Interviews
Columns
There are many variables to deal with in imaging, making best practices of solid data collection and analysis a must. Our experts discuss ways for the readers to fine-tune their imaging process by understanding how etching, plating, and imaging all work together.
The PCB imaging process has evolved quite a bit over the last six or seven decades, from screening to liquid photoresist to dry film and then to aqueous dry film. Now laser direct imaging has created a world of possibilities that were unthinkable with film.
As we see in this issue, there are many variables to deal with in imaging, making best practices and solid data collection and analysis practices a must. Cost, yield, and quality all depend on a fabricator’s ability to collect and interpret data. So, our experts discuss ways for the readers to fine-tune their imaging process by understanding how printing, etching, plating, and imaging all work together.
Features
Columns
Article
In this issue, we explore ideas for mechanization/automation of your existing facility. This theme seems to suggest a major concentration on manufacturing floor details, or new capital equipment and line design topics. As you’ll learn, it’s much more than that.
In this issue, we explore ideas for mechanization/automation of your existing facility. At first blush, this theme would suggest a major concentration on manufacturing floor details, or maybe a heavy dose of new capital equipment and line design topics. As you'll learn, it's much more than that.
Features
Articles
Columns
If you are a fabricator, these are challenging days. But there are also plenty of opportunities available—if you know when to embrace them. This is a good time to analyze your pricing strategies.
If you are a fabricator, these are challenging days. But there are also plenty of opportunities available—if you know when to embrace them. This is a good time to analyze your pricing strategies.
Contrary to popular belief, fabricators are in a strong position right now. There are currently fewer than 300 fabricators in North America and companies are willing to pay for a quality, reliable PCB. Washington is even singing our industry’s praises—for now.
In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, our expert contributors will explain how to recalculate your pricing strategies, tune up your sales team and sales processes, and square up your margins.
Feature Interviews
Columns
Article
After years of being squeezed by supply chain dynamics, printed circuit board manufacturing is once again growing across the globe. This begs the question: Is now a good time to invest in PCB fab?
After years of being squeezed by supply chain dynamics, printed circuit board manufacturing is once again growing across the globe. This begs the question: Is now a good time to invest in PCB fab? In this issue, we explore both the market and government forces at play.
Feature Articles
Feature Interviews
Columns
Article Reprint
This month, our contributors share a variety of strategies for optimizing plating processes to carry fabricators of today into the future. We also take a look at current trends in plating equipment, processes and chemicals, as well as challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Even though the plating process itself hasn’t changed much over time, there have been quite a few updates in the plating process, including process control, plating racks, and additives that enhance throwing power. Power supplies have come a long way in just the past decade or so, and newer tanks allow engineers to customize the amount of agitation and solution flow.
So, in this issue, our contributors share a variety of strategies for optimizing today's fabricator's plating processes to carry them into the future. We also take a look at current trends in plating equipment, processes and chemicals, as well as challenges and opportunities for improvement, and areas for eliminating more waste. And we shine a light on measurement and instrumentation. In a segment where measurement is king, why hasn’t the measuring equipment used to analyze the concentration of additives in chip manufacturing been tailored to the PCB segment?
Features
Columns
Interview
Fabricators need to handle an ever-widening variety of materials and processes, with fewer skilled workers, at a higher level of quality, and without sacrificing turn times. But where to start in updating your capabilities? In this issue we explore potential ROI "golden opportunities” to achieve a quick return on your investment.
Fabricators need to handle an ever-widening variety of materials and processes, with fewer skilled workers, at a higher level of quality, and without sacrificing turn times. But where to start in updating your capabilities? In this issue we explore potential ROI "golden opportunities” to achieve a quick return on your investment.
Feature Interviews
Feature Columns
Articles
Columns
Upskilling in today’s market is more than a fancy-sounding idea. It’s imperative. PCB fabricators must look at supporting their workforce or face dire consequences. This issue provides a framework for what fabs are up against, clear options for continuing education, and ways to fill some of the most common gaps.
Upskilling in Your Game of Life: In today’s market, upskilling is more than a fancy-sounding idea. It’s imperative. PCB fabricators must look at supporting their workforce or face dire consequences. This issue provides a framework for what fabs are up against, clear options for continuing education, and ways to fill some of the most common gaps. It’s advice you’ll come back to time and again.
Features
Feature Columns
Columns
Now more than ever, material performance, availability and pricing are key factors in the specification of materials in the design phase. This month we explore how new technology is driving materials R&D which in turn drives technology to innovate.
In this issue, we dish on the materials research and development efforts to meet the ever-tightening relationship between the product's application and the material selected to serve as the PCB substrate. Now more than ever, material performance, availability and pricing are key factors in the specification of materials in the design phase.
Feature Articles
Featured Columns
Columns
Is additive a disruptive PCB technology? Will it displace tried-but-true subtractive etch technology, or is it merely another tool to have in our toolbox? What does a PCB designer have to do differently? Do EDA tools support it?
During IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego, additive and semi-additive processes were a hot topic. But we heard far more questions than answers. Is additive a disruptive PCB technology? Will it displace tried-but-true subtractive etch technology, or is it merely another tool to have in our toolbox? What does a PCB designer have to do differently? Do EDA tools support it?
How much is it going to cost to get into additive processing? Do the numbers really add up, or is it, as parents used to say, a bunch of new math? What sort of ROI are we talking about? What equipment am I going to have to acquire in order to begin additive or semi-additive processing? Where’s all of the R&D?
For this issue, we asked a variety of contributors to share their stories about additive and semi-additive technology.
Features
Columns
Articles
Europe is a big market with a great deal of innovation underway in PCB fabrication and assembly and the region continues to be a ripe incubator for new processes, materials, equipment, and automation solutions. We start off the new year by focusing on the European market.
Europe is a big market with a great deal of innovation underway in PCB fabrication and assembly. For example, Europe has a leadership role in Industry 4.0 development. It is widely seen as a driving force in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Inside the printed circuit industry, Europe continues to be a ripe incubator for new processes, materials, equipment, and automation solutions. For that reason, we chose to start the new year by focusing on the European market.
Feature Column
Feature Interviews
EIPC Special Section
Columns
In this issue we provide you with a preview of what you can expect in San Diego. We have interviews with fabricators and suppliers who are exhibiting and presenting classes at IPC APEX EXPO. We also bring you columns and articles by our regular contributors.
In this issue we provide you with a preview of what you can expect in San Diego. We have interviews with fabricators and suppliers who are exhibiting and presenting classes at IPC APEX EXPO. IPC show managers discuss the events planned for this year’s event, and we share a variety of conversations with those involved in IPC’s STEM program, including a local high school teacher whose students are now planning engineering careers after being inspired by last year’s STEM event. We also bring you columns and articles by our regular contributors.
IPC APEX EXPO often feels like a reunion, but we believe this year’s show will have an air of festivity. And after the last two years, we deserve to celebrate! We hope to see you all there, doing the stroll on the show floor.
With new inspection technologies and methods, along with AI and advancing data collection, fabricators have new options to consider in their inspection practices. In this issue we look at how new capabilities drive on-floor best practices, and how new best practices are influencing equipment design.
With new inspection technologies and methods, along with AI and advancing data collection, fabricators have new options to consider in their inspection practices. In this issue we look at how new capabilities drive on-floor best practices, and how new best practices are influencing equipment design. We have attempted to answer the following questions:
Interview Features
Feature Articles and Columns
More Content
We started out planning this issue with one central question in mind: What are the best CapEx strategies for PCB fabricators? Are your plans guided by your need to add capacity, or do you want to up your technology game so you can expand into new markets?
We started out planning this issue with one central question in mind: What are the best CapEx strategies for PCB fabricators?
As the saying goes, “That depends…” Should you follow a formula, say, investing 15% of revenue each year in capital expenditures? Are your plans guided by your need to add capacity, or do you want to up your technology game so you can expand into new markets? Maybe you just want to replace outdated equipment that’s costing you in wasted energy and labor man-hours?
We begin this issue by talking with Sunny Patel of Candor Industries. Sunny explains how they manage their CapEx spending, and the rationale for their recent equipment acquisitions. Next, in our interview with Joe Dickson of WUS Printed Circuit Co., he examines capital expenditure strategies and offers insight about possible lower-cost alternatives. We also have a short conversation with Alex Stepinksi, who posits this question: Do you really need new equipment? Alex answers his own question: Maybe not.
MivaTek’s Brendan Hogan discusses the company’s new direct imaging technologies, and the challenges that are driving his customers to upgrade their equipment. Peter Bigelow of IMI explains why companies shouldn’t be afraid to invest in processes that may save them time and money, and why ITAR-compliant manufacturers may wind up cracking open the piggy bank to fund IT and cybersecurity upgrades as well as new equipment. And we have a conversation with Thomas Walsh and Travis Houchin of Integrated Process Systems, who detail the industry trends they’re seeing in capital expenditure, as well as the changes they have noticed in their customers’ requirements. We also have columns from our regular contributors Mike Carano, and Steve Williams. And a special welcome to Happy Holden, whose new column, Happy’s Tech Talk, picks up where Karl Dietz left off in 2016.
When it comes to overall business health and efficiency, a central activity is streamlining processes. While there is no one roadmap for every organization, the end goal is the same. How do you structure—and simplify—your own optimized business operations?
When it comes to overall business health and efficiency, a central activity is streamlining processes. While there is no one roadmap for every organization, the end goal is the same. How do you structure—and simplify—your own optimized business operations?
In the 21st century, streamlining processes almost always means an increased digital presence. That theme, we find, is scattered throughout all the process-related content in this issue. Whether it’s a digitally optimized bill of materials, or increased automation in the manufacturing process, digital is pivotal.
Drilling Down With Pluritec interview with Constanzo D’Angelo
This month, we asked a variety of contributors to flip DFM around. What does DFM mean from the point of view of the fabricator? Should PCB fabricators share more information about their technology capabilities? What are the fabricators’ responsibilities in this delicate dance?
When you think about DFM, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Most of us immediately think about steps that PCB designers and design engineers should take to ensure that their designs are easily manufacturable by their fabricators. And DFM errors are generally seen as the responsibility of the designer; when the CAM operator finds discrepancies in the BOM, acid traps, and impedance mismatches, he knows who to blame.
As often as designers are blamed for DFM missteps and miscues, fabricators are hardly blameless. Fabricators often fix any DFM issues during the CAM process, thus perpetuating the problem. And fabricators are often reluctant to share their technical capabilities with designers, making communication a moot point.
It turns out that DFM is actually a bi-directional concept, which leads us to our August topic. This month, we asked a variety of contributors to flip DFM around. What does DFM mean from the point of view of the fabricator? Should PCB fabricators share more information about their technology capabilities? What are the fabricators’ responsibilities in this delicate dance?
As the world emerges from pandemic disruptions, we find that market balances have changed. In this issue we look at the conditions that are shifting supply lines as well as product costs.
The world emerges from pandemic disruptions, only to find that markets are out of balance. In this issue we look at the economic conditions and drivers that are shifting supply lines as well as product costs.
Copper is a common theme in this month’s issue, what with a rapidly changing market situation it has become the most important raw material on the planet. In fact, while we were preparing this magazine, China released 100,000 tons of industrial metals including copper, aluminum and zinc from its national reserves to stabilize market prices with more releases to follow as needed.
Features
Feature Columns
Columns
This month, with our “Just Ask…” issue, we bring in the experts. We opened a virtual Q&A session where you asked the questions, and we lined up the experts to answer them. Questions range from global and strategic, to tactical and technical.
This month, with our “Just Ask…” issue, we bring in the experts. We opened a virtual Q&A session where you asked the questions, and we lined up the experts to answer them. Part of continuous improvement methodologies, after all, is to leverage the expertise of others. The questions ranged from global and strategic, to tactical and technical. This “Just Ask…” issue allows us all to benefit from questions and answers that our colleagues shared with us.
Question and Answers Feature Section
Question about Supply Chain answered by Dick Crowe
Question about Copper Shortage answered by Michael Coll
Question about Substituting Heavy Copper answered by Kim Sauer
Question about an Alternative to Solder answered by Chuck Bauer and Joe Fjelstad
Question about Education on Latest Process Improvements by Leo Lambert
Question about Finer Lines and Spaces on a Budget Answered by Eran Lipp and Yaad Eyila
Question about Marketing Techniques answered by Dan Beaulieu
Columns
Responding to Questions about the Future of Electronics by Dr. John Mitchell
A Simple Question Can Save You Time and Money by John Steinar Johnsen
Articles
TLPS Z-Axis Interconnect Solutions for Thermal Transfer and Electrical Connection in PCBs by Catherine Shearer and Gary Legerton
Columns
Just Ask… and More Tailor-Made Content by Nolan Johnson
DIG–The Next Generation by George Milad
Meet Mr. Henry and Don’t Blow a Fuse by Todd Kolmodin
Leadership 101—The Laws of Navigation, Addition, and Solid Ground by Steve Williams
In this issue, we share strategies and techniques for optimizing your manufacturing process, from the business plan to implementation throughout your entire business flow. This includes strategies for training your team and working with your suppliers and customers.
In this issue, we share strategies and techniques for optimizing your manufacturing process, from the business plan to implementation throughout your entire business flow to keep everything running like a top. This includes strategies for training your team and working with your suppliers and customers. We also explore the value in understanding your company’s “greater purpose.”
Features
Feature Columns
Articles
Columns
Here in the U.S, there is a push to reinvigorate our manufacturing infrastructure. In this issue, we investigate critical changes, upgrades, and investments needed to strengthen your business: manufacturing, technical, business, and sales.
In this issue, as a part of our ongoing series on continuous improvement (X = Xc – 1), we look at manufacturing excellence—from process engineering benchmarking and process life cycles, to reinvigorating your manufacturing infrastructure and strategies for selling your manufacturing capabilities. We investigate critical changes, upgrades, and investments needed to strengthen your business: manufacturing, technical, business, and sales.
Transportation applications will be an active area of innovation in the coming years, as development continues in miniaturization, power management, environmental robustness and infrastructure. Strap in while we explore PCBs in transportation.
In this issue, we begin to map out the new landscape of transportation electronics. Transportation applications will be an active area of innovation in the coming years, as development continues in miniaturization, power management, environmental robustness and infrastructure. Strap in while we explore PCBs in transportation.
Content from Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2021
In this issue, we preview the program and schedules for the upcoming virtual IPC APEX EXPO, as well as continue our exploration of “X = Xc – 1” continuous improvement by getting smart about process efficiencies.
In this issue, we preview the program and schedules for the upcoming virtual IPC APEX EXPO, as well as continue our exploration of “X = Xc – 1” continuous improvement by getting smart about process efficiencies.
IPC APEX EXPO 2021 Special Coverage
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2021—5 Things You Need to Know About...
As we start the new year—what we are calling the year of continuous improvement—it's good to begin with this simple process improvement formula: X = Xc – 1.
As we start the new year—what we are calling the year of continuous improvement—it's good to begin with this simple process improvement formula: X = Xc – 1. The tricky part can be deciding what to choose for your first (X). In the early phases of process improvement, the common advice is to start with small improvement projects and grow from there. By doing so, your team will be able to quickly feel and celebrate the success and benefits gained.
Features
Articles
Columns
In this issue, we consider the perspective of the employer, the seasoned technical professional, and the new-hire engineer. How do these three groups best combine to fill the skills gap that our industry faces?
In this issue, we consider the perspective of the employer, the seasoned technical professional, and the new-hire engineer. How do these three groups best combine to fill the skills gap that our industry faces? Steven Covey lists one habit in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that fits the current job market: “If you wish to be understood, seek first to understand.” It is our hope that this month’s content helps job-seeking readers to better understand the employer’s perspective as well as the other way around.
Features
Articles
Columns
Higher speeds and smaller densities increasingly require different materials, there are smaller fabrication dimensions, and higher aspect ratios in multilayers force the specialization of plating chemistries, too. How does a fabricator choose new chemistry?
Vias and Plating
Higher speeds and smaller densities increasingly require different materials, there are smaller fabrication dimensions, and higher aspect ratios in multilayers force the specialization of plating chemistries, too. No one set of solutions can do it all. How does a fabricator choose new chemistry? What is the decision-making process? What should be considered? Find out in this issue.
Features
Feature Columns
Articles
Columns
I-Connect007 has been exploring the effect of roadmaps on business planning and operations. We conclude our three-part coverage of the IEEE Heterogenous Integration Roadmap and we explore roadmapping as a tactical tool, not only a long-range strategic plan.
I-Connect007 has been exploring the effect of roadmaps on business planning and operations. We conclude our three-part coverage of the IEEE Heterogenous Integration Roadmap and we explore roadmapping as a tactical tool, not only a long-range strategic plan. This issue's thoughtful, pragmatic, and sometimes philosophical take on roadmapping combines nicely with our discussion of the topic in this month's SMT007 Magazine and Design007 Magazine. Explore them for an expanded view.
Features
Articles
Columns
For this issue, we identified four manufacturing pillars: revenue, supply chain, workforce, and technology, we examine how these four pillars as strategies affect the manufacturing floor.
We identified four manufacturing pillars: revenue, supply chain, workforce, and technology. In this issue, we examine these four pillars as strategies that affect the manufacturing floor. But in the process, something interesting emerged: the pillars don’t stand on their own.
Features
Columns
Technical Article
Happy Holden Presents: Special Coverage From IPC High-Reliability Forum
Leadership is the foundation of a successful business. There's an art/philosophy to it, but there's also a science/method to leadership. In this issue, we explore both sides of leadership and its impact in the electronics industry and beyond.
Leadership
Leadership is the foundation of a successful business. There's an art/philosophy to it, but there's also a science/method to leadership. In this issue, we explore both sides of leadership and its impact in the electronics industry and beyond. In preparation for this magazine, we conducted a survey on leadership. Much of what the survey participants revealed confirms our usual beliefs, but there were some surprising insights among the data as well.
Features
Columns
Articles
During the COVID-19 outbreak, market dynamics may be changing the calculus on regional and captive fabrication and capital investment. Businesses throughout the industry are rethinking their manufacturing, cybersecurity, and supply chain strategies.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, market dynamics may be changing the calculus on regional and captive fabrication and capital investment. Businesses throughout the industry are rethinking their manufacturing, cybersecurity, and supply chain strategies. This issue is an exploration of the rethinking currently underway across the industry. Our conversations on rethinking manufacturing include reimagining wet processes, additive, and subtractive processes. We also explore rethinking the tools available to your incoming CAM department, in the form of best practices for landing pads, the advantages of the new VeCS technology, and much more.
Features
Columns
All of the 12 people on the front cover this month’s issue were influential in promoting total quality management. In this issue, we discuss TQM as a means to manage change and continuous improvement in your business.
All of the 12 people on the front cover this month’s issue were influential in promoting total quality management. TQM is a business management methodology where employees are empowered to improve processes—and therefore, product quality—continuously. In this issue, we discuss TQM as a means to manage change and continuous improvement in your business.
Features
Columns
In the blink of an eye, priorities can change. In January 2020, the industry was enjoying a sustained growth path, but that was a very different 2020 than the one we live in today. In this issue, we explore how priorities have changed.
In the blink of an eye, priorities can change. In January 2020, the industry was enjoying a sustained growth path, but that was a very different 2020 than the one we live in today. While it’s too soon to say what will be our new equilibrium, in this issue, we explore how priorities have changed.
Features
Articles
Columns
The electronics manufacturing industry moves to the center of the response to a viral threat while individuals find new ways to work safely. This issue of PCB007 Magazine brings you select news and updates on how our industry is responding and contributing to this fight.
The Impact of COVID-19
The global population reacts to a viral threat. The electronics manufacturing industry moves to the center of the response even while individuals find new ways to work safely. This issue of PCB007 Magazine brings you select news and updates on how our industry is responding and contributing to this fight.
Features:
Feature Interviews:
Article:
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Today, there are still opportunities left in the PCB fabrication business to regain profit margin—some large and systemic, others small and incremental. One must make the choice to think differently about the business–and processes–to restore profitability.
Profitability is a multi-faceted subject. Today, there are still opportunities left in the PCB fabrication business to regain profit margin—some large and systemic, others small and incremental. One must make the choice to think differently about the business–and processes–to restore profitability.
Features
Articles
Columns
There need to be benefits to any change—and transforming the manufacturing floor into a digital factory is a big change indeed! Learn some of the advantages that can be realized as new Industry 4.0 capabilities become available.
There need to be benefits to any change—and transforming the manufacturing floor into a digital factory is a big change indeed! In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, we look at some of the advantages that can be realized as new Industry 4.0 capabilities become available.
Features
Articles
Columns
It's IPC APEX EXPO time again and we’re excited to bring the highlights you can expect to see while in San Diego. In this issue, hear from IPC team members Brook Sandy-Smith, Randy Cherry and Chris Mitchell as they weigh in with their insights on what to expect at this year’s show.
IPC APEX EXPO is here again. I-Connect007 has been previewing IPC APEX EXPO all month, and we’re excited to bring the highlights you can expect to see while in San Diego.
In this issue, Brook Sandy-Smith, IPC technical conference program manager, gives a detailed overview of what attendees can expect in the technical sessions, as well as some new and reconfigured events and resources on the technical conference side. Randy Cherry, IPC Validation Services and Chris Mitchell, IPC’s Government Relations Team weigh in with their insights on what to expect at this year’s show.
Features
Feature Columns
Columns
Bonus Content:
What we learned as we put this issue together is that there's a lot you need to know as a printed circuit fabrication professional. We bring you some selected categories of critical PCB fabrication expertise.
Our theme this month is “What You Need to Know,” and what we learned as we put this issue together is that there is a lot you need to know as a printed circuit fabrication professional. We bring you some selected categories of critical PCB fabrication expertise, plus some bonus coverage from productronica 2019 in Munich.
Features
Columns
Articles
In this issue, we update your prescription, clarify your vision of the industry, and bring your own perspective into view with a variety of interviews, columns and articles. Polish up your reading glasses and examine the stories inside.
In this issue, we update your prescription, clarify your vision of the industry, and bring your own perspective into view. With each interview, try on another outlook and look at the industry from another point of view.
Feature Interviews
Articles
Columns
This issue considers the current, ever-changing landscape of our industry, from global economics to emerging technologies and processes that may change how the manufacturing floor operates. With automotive electronics leading us down the road, don't find yourself asleep at the wheel.
For printed circuit fabricators, the terrain continues to change. While automation is a key part of our transformation, human expertise and problem-solving remain central to the process. This issue considers the current, ever-changing landscape of our industry, from global economics to emerging technologies and processes that may change how the manufacturing floor operates.
FEATURES
Articles
Columns
The process of reaching agreements when creating standards can be a long, arduous road to travel. In this issue, we report on recent developments in current and emerging standards and take a step back to discuss some of the inherent strengths and weaknesses of standards processes.
The flag standard became the symbol of the “rule of law” and a rallying point for those who supported that particular institution. It’s no small wonder, then, that the term has expanded to include other systems that function as law by mutual agreement. The process of reaching that agreement can be a long, arduous road to travel. In this issue, we look at standards both as processes and rallying points.
Features
Articles
Columns
In this issue, we explore the processes and chemistries that make up traditional subtractive etch and plate. We also investigate the confluence of smaller dimensions, reduced pollution, higher throughput, and improved reliability...
In this issue, we explore the processes and chemistries that make up traditional subtractive etch and plate. We also investigate the confluence of smaller dimensions, reduced pollution, higher throughput, and improved reliability as they relate to wet processes and plating. Further, we address some of the emerging processes for higher performance designs and new equipment to implement modern techniques.
Features
Articles
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Our industry is embarking on a new age of technical development to achieve much higher levels of overall reliability that will be required of the devices we fabricate.
Our industry is embarking on a new age of technical development to achieve much higher levels of overall reliability that will be required of the devices we fabricate. Medical devices will be relied upon to keep us living in many more situations. Autonomous vehicles will need to be failure-free to keep riders and pedestrians alike safe in the world. IoT will bring opportunities to put smart electronics in new places, performing unthought-of ways. Reliability will be crucial to both our success and safety.
Features
Feature Columns
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The design team’s files and the accompanying documentation is the real-world implementation plan to turn the OEM’s concepts and marketing research into a viable, physical, competitive product, this is where it all starts!
According to a press release published by SCORE on May 23, 2019, “98.6% of American manufacturing companies are small businesses, and 75.3% of those businesses have fewer than 20 employees.” SCORE is an organization that mentors to America's small businesses. The report continues, “Last year, manufacturing businesses generated 11.6% of the U.S. economic output and employed 8.5% of the U.S. workforce, but 89% of manufacturers report that they cannot fill all job openings.”
This report looks at all manufacturing, but it’s clear that the electronics industry trends are consistent with manufacturing in general. There are also a large number of small businesses in our sector.
Our topic this month, however, is “Everything Starts With Design,” so what does that have to do with quality, staffing shortages, or small business? Pretty much everything.
As OEMs drive electronics manufacturers to improve processes to simultaneously build a product at two orders of magnitude more reliability, where does a fabricator even begin to concentrate its efforts to get the best improvement in output? Some will tell you that getting the best possible quality on the input is where you should start.
The design team’s files and the accompanying documentation is the real-world implementation plan to turn the OEM’s concepts and marketing research into a viable, physical, competitive product. Unless manufacturing defies the build instructions from the designers, the product will only be as manufacturable as the design files themselves. The higher the quality of the design, the more robust the contingencies specified in the bill of materials, and the more materials tolerances have been thought through and expressed in the build notes, the better the end result will be coming through fabrication.
And given all of the simultaneous challenges facing PCB fabricators with respect to staffing, new equipment, environmental impact, etc., making the communication process with your OEM customers efficient seems like the logical first step in stepping up to new challenges.
Features
Articles
Column
How do current materials stack up? We find out. First, we lay down some high-level perspective on materials, megatrends in materials, and economic forces at play in the market. Then, we layer in specifics with materials manufacturers in this our materials issue.
In the May issue of PCB007 Magazine, first, we lay down some high-level perspective on materials starting with Alun Morgan’s perspective on the future of PCB materials. Then, columnist Tara Dunn writes about “New Materials or New to You?” Next, we have a conversation with Panasonic’s Tony Senese on megatrends in materials. These three pieces deliver a panoramic primer on materials, opportunities, activity, and global economic forces at play in the market.
Then, our conversations get more specific, including discussions with John Andresakis and Jonathan Weldon from DuPont; Ken Parent from Insulectro; TUC America’s Alan Cochrane; Sean Mirshafiei from Isola; and a second conversation specific to Panasonic materials with Tony Senese.
Interspersed, you’ll find columns from Dr. John Mitchell on industry outlooks, Jan Pedersen on traceability and reliability, Steve Williams on training new employees, Todd Kolmodin on probers and testers, and Mark Ladle takes us on a brisk, poignant customer visit as a traveling engineer.
In addition, we’re proud to bring you a tour of Microtek Labs’ Chinese facility. Barry Matties and Edy Yu from the I-Connect007 China team spoke with Bob Neves about growing a business in China.
This makes for quite a stack of information on materials. What we learned—and hope you will take away as well—is that understanding the current trends in materials will require everyone from designers to material manufacturers and the entire manufacturing chain to talk, collaborate, and listen to each other to best master these new materials in the real world.
Features
Columns
Bonus Article
As the electronics industry works to overcome an impending staffing and skills shortage, it will be the youth who will rise to the challenge, build on the work of the current industry experts, and move technology into a higher orbit.
Features
Feature Columns
Articles
Columns
The acceptance of smart factories is a global movement across multiple industries. In electronics manufacturing specifically, China seems to be a key leader in the move to Industry 4.0.
The acceptance of smart factories is a global movement across multiple industries. In electronics manufacturing specifically, China seems to be a key leader in the move to Industry 4.0. Once seen as an industrial heavyweight that depended on a huge labor pool, the environment in China has transformed. Chinese culture has a history of adaptability, and China’s industry-leading implementation of Industry 4.0 concepts is demonstrating that essential skill to the globe once again. What stands out about the Chinese transition is that automation—robotics, in particular—is a surprisingly small part of the whole solution. Our March issue of SMT007 Magazine includes interesting articles based on our recent visit to two Chinese PCB smart factories. You'll find direct links to those articles in this issue.
We start off this month with “The Smart Factory IQ Test” where you can quiz your conceptual Industry 4.0 knowledge. Next, Barry Matties visits Ventec International Group’s China-based facility. Laminate isn’t considered a high-mix, low-volume business—especially in China—but that’s exactly Ventec’s approach.
From people to technology, I-Connect007 Technical Editor Happy Holden and factory automation pioneer posts an overview of the “Hardware and Software in Smart Factories.” The PCB Norsemen consider smart factory technologies and the move into implementation around the globe, and Steve Williams discusses the key elements making up Industry 4.0 technologies.
Dr. John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO, introduces the IPC Education Foundation in his column, which is a 501c(3) organization to assist students and the emerging workforce.
Tara Dunn shares an example of doing business that serves as a great metaphor and reminder. The real smarts in any factory are—and will continue to be—the people who perform the most complex, heuristic analyses of all. Read her column titled “Old-fashioned Networking.”
In “Optimizing the OSP Processes for High Performance,” Michael Carano discusses organic solderability preservatives (OSPs). Todd Kolmodin’s column dives into creating “Confidence in Inspection” with a discussion of third-party inspection. And Mark Ladle, “The Travelling Engineer,” shares an anecdote about his initial experiences traveling overseas as a field engineer.
Returning to China, we bring you a report from the 2018HKPCA & IPC Show in Hong Kong. Mr. Hu Yang provides an overview of how the Chinese domestic market is developing and changing the fabrication industry.
Features
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Article
Things are changing in our industry, so is it any surprise that how you sell your services is changing too? If your sales approach seems out of focus, then join us as we look at some successful PCB selling and marketing strategies.
Things are changing in our industry, so is it any surprise that how you sell your services is changing too? If your sales approach seems out of focus, then join us as we look at some successful PCB selling and marketing strategies including staffing, hiring, branding, and more. Bring your sales channel into sharp relief.
Feature Articles
Feature Columns
Columns
Understanding the ripple effects in the electronics supply chain will be key to manage the supply chain crisis and keep your fabrication facility running smoothly.
Understanding the ripple effects in the electronics supply chain will be key to manage the supply chain crisis and keep your fabrication facility running smoothly. In this issue, we bring you timely conversations with industry experts to help position your company’s offerings to the greatest effect.
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Articles
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In this issue, we provide a preview of the upcoming IPC APEX EXPO 2019 events, exhibitions, new technologies, awards, competitions, and standards work. So, relax and make your travel plans as we give you the big reveal!
There’s no better place to participate in the excitement and innovation of the printed circuit industry than at IPC APEX EXPO 2019. We preview the show, events, exhibitions, new technologies, awards, competitions, and standards work. Experience the magic that is our industry with IPC APEX EXPO. So, relax and make your travel plans as we give you the big reveal!
FEATURES:
ARTICLES & COLUMNS:
Of the driving forces in the PCB manufacturing marketplace today, one major contributor is medical device technology as it influences materials, components, manufacturing techniques, and procurement. In this issue, we investigate innovations surrounding the medical sector.
Of the driving forces in the PCB manufacturing marketplace today, one major contributor is medical device technology. Medical device development is influencing materials, components, manufacturing techniques, and procurement. In this issue, we investigate innovations surrounding the medical sector.
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Features:
Columns and Articles
GreenSource Fabrication, a New Hampshire division of Whelen Engineering, is rolling out an expanded facility that can claim to be the most advanced automated PCB facility in North America. It’s also zero waste and zero effluent.
GreenSource Fabrication, a New Hampshire division of Whelen Engineering, is rolling out an expanded facility that can claim to be the most advanced automated PCB facility in North America. It’s also zero waste and zero effluent. Take a detailed tour of the facility as we talk to the designers, staff, and equipment suppliers collaborating to make this facility a reality.
Features
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PCBs are approaching semiconductors with regard to feature sizes. Our experts this month are helping us understand substrate-like PCBs (SLP) and the semi-additive processes that will help the industry achieve the seemingly impossible.
PCBs are approaching semiconductors with regard to feature sizes. Given this growing trend that shows no signs of slowing down, our experts this month are helping us understand substrate-like PCBs (SLP) and the semi-additive processes (SAP) that will help the industry achieve the seemingly impossible (less than 25 micron features that are coming our way)!
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Columns and Articles
Has the definition of reliability changed, and if so, why? What is driving this change? Reliability is critical, and the industry wants to deliver. This month, our experts provide their perspective on the evolution of reliability across sectors.
Has the definition of reliability changed, and if so, why? What is driving this change? One reason is clear: Electronics are not an occasional luxury, they are an integral and nearly constant component in most people’s daily lives, from automotive electronics to alarm systems to cellphones. Reliability is critical, and the industry wants to deliver. This month, our experts provide their perspective on the evolution of reliability across sectors.
Features
Columns
With all the elements that can now affect the solder mask—finer features, higher-temperature solders, final finishes, direct imaging, inkjet—it’s high time to give this final fabrication process a little more attention.
With all the elements that can now affect the solder mask—finer features, higher-temperature solders, final finishes, direct imaging, inkjet—it’s high time to give this final fabrication process a little more attention. This month, our contributors explain how and why solder mask must do its job well—precisely, in fact.
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Much like the ubiquitous rubber ducky, it seems that PCB manufacturing has not changed much through the decades, but what has changed is the required precision of those steps to achieve ever finer features at ever higher quality and reliability.
Much like the ubiquitous rubber ducky, it seems that PCB manufacturing has not changed much through the decades, but what has changed is the required precision of those steps to achieve ever finer features at ever higher quality and reliability. This month, our experts offer up new wet processes, and tips and best practices for successful plating, and more.
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What truly defines 5G, as compared to 4G and 3G? As the children say on road trips, are we there yet? Find out what is here, and what’s on the horizon for the industry and the world when it comes to the dawn of the 5G era.
What truly defines 5G, as compared to 4G and 3G? As the children say on road trips, are we there yet? Find out what is here, and what’s on the horizon for the industry and the world when it comes to the dawn of the 5G era.
Features
Columns and Articles
From autonomous vehicles to e-textiles to automotive standards, our contributors take a look under the hood and kick the tires this month to bring the rapidly evolving world of automotive electronics into perspective.
From autonomous vehicles to e-textiles to automotive standards, our contributors take a look under the hood and kick the tires this month to bring the rapidly evolving world of automotive electronics into perspective.
Features
Columns and Articles
No doubt, new technology seems to be launching daily, from inspection systems to photoresist processes. How can we keep up? How can we even maintain? What’s coming next next and how can we best prepare, to stay in the game?
No doubt, new technology seems to be launching daily, from inspection systems to photoresist processes. How can we keep up? How can we even maintain? What’s coming next and how can we best prepare, to stay in the game? This month, our experts give us a heads up on new technology: where we’re at and where on Earth we are going.
Features
Columns
Who is your customer? Isn’t it more than that person who buys something from you or your company? After all, aren’t the tables turned when you request something from that “customer?” Aren’t you then the customer? Find out what our experts think this month. The answers may surprise you!
Who is your customer? Isn’t it more than that person who buys something from you or your company? After all, aren’t the tables turned when you request something from that “customer?” Aren’t you then the customer? Find out what our experts think this month. The answers may surprise you!
Features
Columns
As equipment gets more sophisticated and costly, determining equipment needs has become far more complicated. Choosing wisely--and correctly anticipating your and the market’s needs--has never been more critical.
As equipment gets more sophisticated and costly, determining equipment needs has become far more complicated. Choosing wisely—and correctly anticipating your and the market’s needs—has never been more critical. Our experts are well equipped to give us their professional perspectives on just what to consider when evaluating new equipment.
Features
SPECIAL SECTION: IPC APEX EXPO 2018 Pre-Show Coverage
Columns
Check out our Career Opportunities section.
Increasing consumer demands for high-performance and the need for high-reliability in sectors such as automotive, LED lighting, and renewable energy mean that thermal management is now front and center on the priority list for PCB manufacturing.
Increasing consumer demands for high-performance and the need for high-reliability in sectors such as automotive, LED lighting, and renewable energy mean that thermal management is now front and center on the priority list for PCB manufacturing. This month, industry experts are in the hot seat to explain how to keep everything cool.
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This month, we cover the wide-ranging topic of HDI: from the latest technology developments and manufacturing challenges, to HDI strategies that include design, fabrication, and assembly perspectives.
This month, we cover the wide-ranging topic of HDI: from the latest technology developments and manufacturing challenges, to HDI strategies that include design, fabrication, and assembly perspectives. As one of our feature contributors, Happy Holden, says, in North America, there is a growing need for more HDI capability. Find out why in this issue!
TOC:
Feature Content
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As board features get smaller, as speeds get faster, and as more is expected from everyone in the supply chain, signal integrity should have everyone’s attention. This month, our experts explain why.
If you think signal integrity is just a design problem, think again. As board features get smaller, as speeds get faster, and as more is expected from everyone in the supply chain, signal integrity should have everyone’s attention. This month, our experts explain why.
Feature Content
Columns
This month, we’re revisiting process engineering from the perspective of industry veterans with direct experience and who know what they’re talking about. Read what it’s all about, discover new techniques, gain fresh insights, and learn true appreciation for process engineeers, the backbone of PCB manufacturing.
This month, we’re revisiting process engineering from the perspective of industry veterans with direct experience and who know what they’re talking about. Read what it’s all about, discover new techniques, gain fresh insights, and learn true appreciation for process engineeers, the backbone of PCB manufacturing.
Table of Contents
Features
Articles and Columns
Exactly what defines process step elimination and/or automation? So many possibilities! Does it include reducing the number of steps in manufacturing a PCB? Eliminating queue times, inspection or cleaning steps?
Exactly what defines process step elimination and/or automation? So many possibilities! Does it include reducing the number of steps in manufacturing a PCB? Eliminating queue times, inspection or cleaning steps? Is automation adding a hoist to your plating line, or conveyorizing everything? These considerations and more by industry experts will give you plenty to think about as the summer sun sets on the horizon.
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Features
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Article
The present and future challenges of mil/aero electronics are covered from A to Zentech this month, from the DoD budget to the new cyber-security regulations, and of course, reliability issues, it’s all included.
The present and future challenges of mil/aero electronics are covered from A to Zentech this month, including a special interview section on IMPACT, Washington D.C. 2017. From the DoD budget to the new cyber-security regulations, and of course, reliability issues, it’s all included.
Features
Columns
Article
Embedded technology seems finally to be coming into its own—thanks to Moore’s Law and the ever-pressing need for more real estate on the circuit board surface. No longer just for the odd, expensive military product, buried components can be found truly all around us!
Embedded technology seems finally to be coming into its own—thanks to Moore’s Law and the ever-pressing need for more real estate on the circuit board surface. No longer just for the odd, expensive military product, buried components can be found in that most ubiquitous of consumer products, the smartphone, as you will learn in this issue. They are truly all around us!
Features
Article and Columns
Extras: NEW! Career Opportunities Section, Events Calendar, News Highlights and more!
Everyone is talking about the graying of our industry and the lack of qualified applicants for jobs, ranging from manufacturing personnel to engineers and even management. Who will take over when we retire?
Everyone is talking about the graying of our industry and the lack of qualified applicants for jobs, ranging from manufacturing personnel to engineers and even management. Who will take over when we retire? Do we simply find qualified individuals or create them? How do we attract and retain them? Find out this month in The PCB Magazine!
Features
Columns
Do we really need more speed in our connections? If we want autonomous cars, intelligent robotics, extended IoT, then we must press forward with the development of high-speed materials. Our contributors this month examine our industry’s need for speed.
Do we really need more speed in our connections? If we want autonomous cars, intelligent robotics, extended IoT, then we must press forward with the development of high-speed materials. Our contributors this month examine our industry’s need for speed.
Features
Material Choices for High-Speed Flexible Circuits, by G. Sidney Cox
Interview: Fabricators Speak Out on High-Speed Materials, by I-Connect007 Research Team
PCB Technology Requirements for Millimeter-Wave Interconnect and Antenna, by Jim Francey and Terry Bateman
Interview: TTM Shines a Light on Optical Interconnect, by I-Connect007 Staff
Columns
Faster, Faster, Faster… or the Need for Speed, More Speed!, by Patty Goldman
Testing Todd: Go with the Flow, by Todd Kolmodin
Let’s Talk Testing: You’re in for a (Thermal) Shock! by Keith M. Sellers
Trouble in Your Tank: Copper-to-Copper Peeling, by Michael Carano
One World, One Industry: 100 Days In: President Trump and a Better Manufacturing Policy, by John Mitchell
Launch Letters: Nasty News Releases, by Barry Lee Cohen
Bonus Article
Executive Agent for PCB and Electronic Interconnect Technology PrCB Trust Accreditation, by Steve Vetter, et al.
This month, we’re talking flexible circuits, including all the variations of same, which is why we’re calling this issue “The Wide World of Flex.” The world of flex is broad—and it’s rapidly getting wider!
This month, we’re talking flexible circuits, including all the variations of same, which is why we’re calling this issue “The Wide World of Flex.” The world of flex is broad—and it’s rapidly getting wider!
Feature Interview: American Standard Circuits Releasing e-Book on Designing Flex and Rigid-Flex
Feature Articles
Columns and Articles
As technology moves increasingly faster, so do our equipment, materials and chemistry suppliers to help us to enable that next greatest invention. Are you ready for the next thing, to keep pushing forward? This month, our contributors shed a little light on that path forward. Meet the future!
As technology moves increasingly faster, so do our equipment, materials and chemistry suppliers to help us to enable that next greatest invention. Are you ready for the next thing, to keep pushing forward? This month, our contributors shed a little light on that path forward. Meet the future!
FEATURES
COLUMNS
Even more!
This month, our experts weigh in on new processes, the tried-and-true old processes, R&D, and how to go about choosing the right process from among all those available today.
So what is new in plating and surface finishes? This month, our experts weigh in on new processes, the tried-and-true old processes, R&D, and how to go about choosing the right process from among all those available today.
Features
Feature Columns
More Columns
Our feature contributors have plenty to say this month, including thought-provoking ideas and unique perspectives they’ve accumulated in the quest for successful sales and marketing strategies. We open this issue with results of our monthly survey on the topic at hand, and a breakdown of the responses.
Our feature contributors have plenty to say this month, including thought-provoking ideas and unique perspectives they’ve accumulated in the quest for successful sales and marketing strategies. We open this issue with results of our monthly survey on the topic at hand, and a breakdown of the responses.
Features
Columns
Blind, buried, landless…IPC defines no less than seven type of vias. This month, our experts shed light on the many different types of vias, their functions, and the various challenges associated with them.
Blind, buried, landless…IPC defines no less than seven type of vias. This month, our experts shed light on the many different types of vias, their functions, and the various challenges associated with them.
Table of Contents
Features
Interviews and Columns
Everyone has the chance to benefit from the wealth of experiences our contributors—leaders in the industry—are sharing this month, from real-world examples of leadership, to principles that have stood the test of time.
Everyone has the chance to benefit from the wealth of experiences our contributors—leaders in the industry—are sharing this month, from real-world examples of leadership, to principles that have stood the test of time.
Features
Columns
Participating in the military and aerospace industries is not for the faint of heart, nor for those lacking persistence or looking for the quick project or sale. Our feature contributors this month, which include several of our regular columnists, provide valuable insight on the mil/aero market and what is required to be in the game.
Features
Columns & Articles
Welcome to this month’s topic—Voices of the Industry—otherwise known as YOU! We’ve surveyed readers, including engineers, fabricators, technologists, CEOs, and others... to find out exactly what’s on their mind when it comes to today’s electronics manufacturing industry.
Features
Article
Columns
There’s more to test and inspection than the latest and greatest AOI and electrical test equipment. This month, feature contributors from Orbotech, Gardien Services, Uyemura, and more, examine various testing methods that go into ensuring great product.
There’s more to test and inspection than the latest and greatest AOI and electrical test equipment. This month, feature contributors from Orbotech, Gardien Services, Uyemura, and more, examine various testing methods that go into ensuring great product.
Features
Columns
Fine features are the topic this month, and our industry experts are on hand to discuss issues ranging from landless vias to laser direct imaging and high throw electroless copper for very small holes and blind vias.
Fine features are the topic this month, and our industry experts are on hand to discuss issues ranging from landless vias to laser direct imaging and high throw electroless copper for very small holes and blind vias.
Features
Against the Density Wall: Landless Vias Might be the Answer, by Happy Holden
Flexible Circuit Fabrication and Cleanroom Manufacturing, by Dave Becker, All Flex Flexible Circuits
High-Throw Electroless Copper—New Opportunities for IC Substrates and HDI Manufacturing, from Atotech
Special Section and Articles
IMPACT Washington, D.C. 2016: Interviews and Editor’s Re-cap, by Patty Goldman, I-Connect007
The 21st Century PCB Factory—Designed to Eliminate Offshore Cost Advantages, by Alex Stepinski, Whelen Engineering
Columns
Patty’s Perspective: Impacting the Industry—Literally, by Patty Goldman
Trouble in Your Tank: Primary Imaging for Pattern Plating, Part 2: Development, by Michael Carano
The Right Approach: Our IoT Lives, by Steve Williams
Launch Letters: Exceptional Service—Extra Toppings without Sacrifice, by Barry Lee Cohen
Handling and people-related mistakes and defects are always a concern in manufacturing. What's the answer? Is it automation? A little of both?
Handling and people-related mistakes and defects are always a concern in manufacturing. What’s the answer? Is it automation? Is it more training? A little of both? This month, our experts weigh in on the who, what, when, where and how of reducing handling errors.
Features
Columns
Process engineers (and PE types) are the worker bees of the industry. Our experts this month bring first-hand knowledge of the phenomenon known as process engineering.
Process engineers (and PE types) are the worker bees of the industry. In addition to writing standards and specifications or presenting the technical papers at industry events, they stay busy behind the scenes—running tests, gathering data, coming up with new ideas, developing new products, and so forth. Our experts this month bring first-hand knowledge of the phenomenon known as process engineering.
Features
Columns and Articles
In this highly competitive industry of ours, where material costs squeeze from one side, and customers squeeze from the other, what is the answer to increasing profits? This month, our contributors offer strategies that we think will both surprise and enlighten!
In this highly competitive industry of ours, where material costs squeeze from one side, and customers squeeze from the other, what is the answer to increasing profits? This month, our contributors offer strategies that we think will both surprise and enlighten!
Features
Articles and Columns
We’ve covered it from top to bottom this month—what’s brand new in the world of PCB fabrication and what’s on the horizon for our industry.
We’ve covered it from top to bottom this month—what’s brand new in the world of PCB fabrication and what’s on the horizon for our industry. Feature articles, interviews and columns reach into material and process solutions, 3D printing, surface finishing, and more!
Features
Articles and Columns
We’re providing a thorough work-up for our readers this month, with features that diagnose the current state of the medical electronics segment. From robots and wearables to novel developments in gold metallization processes for neural probes, we’ve got head-to-toe coverage.
We’re providing a thorough work-up for our readers this month, with features that diagnose the current state of the medical electronics segment. From robots and wearables to novel developments in gold metallization processes for neural probes, we’ve got head-to-toe coverage.
Features
Columns and Articles
Our final issue of 2015 is a view into various global associations that help our industry function and thrive. In their own words, top executives from around the world are on hand to provide an insider’s perspective of the who, what, where, when and why of their organizations.
Our final issue of 2015 is a view into various global associations that help our industry function and thrive. In their own words, top executives from around the world are on hand to provide an insider’s perspective of the who, what, where, when and why of their organizations.
Features
A Brief History of the Inception of IPC Expo, by Dan Feinberg
A Conversation with IPC President and CEO John Mitchell, by Patty Goldman
Dave Bergman: IPC's Technology & International Reach, by Patty Goldman
Is IPC the Past or the Future of our Industry? by Jason Marsh
EIPC: Furthering the Reach of Electronics Industries in Europe, by Barry Matties
In Their Words: China Printed Circuits Association (CPCA)
In Their Words: Hong Kong Printed Circuits Association (HKPCA)
In Their Words: India Printed Circuits Association (IPCA)
IPC's Fern Abrams: Keeping up with Regulatory Matters, by Patty Goldman
The Value of IPC’s Validation Services, by Patty Goldman
Dieter is Gone and I Don’t Feel So Good Myself! by Doug Sober
Working for the Industry: NTS’ Renee Michalkiewicz, by Patty Goldman
Catching up with Uyemura USA’s George Milad, by Patty Goldman
Columns
Field Notes: Are Local Industry Events the New Social Media? By Judy Warner
Testing Todd: 2015: It’s a Wrap! by Todd Kolmodin
E.I. Files: Insulated Metal Base Circuits—an Enabling Technology for Power Electronics, by Joe Fjelstad
More
Highlights: Top Ten 2015 Articles, Interviews, News and Videos
Feature articles this month explore and explain why data is important, how to gather it (Internet of Things, for starters), and what exactly you can do with it once you’ve got it.
This month, The PCB Magazine presents, The Data Factor(y): The Power of Data. Feature articles explore and explain why data is important, how to gather it (Internet of Things, for starters), and what exactly you can do with it once you’ve got it.
Features
What is the Internet of Things and Why Should it Matter to Us? by Jason Marsh
Data Analytics through Statistical Techniques, by Steve Williams
Process Controls for Flexible Circuit Fabrication, by Dave Becker
The Power of Data: The Most Important Questions Any Leader Must Ask, by Dave Dibble
Articles and Columns
Data, Data and More Data! by Patty Goldman
Conducting Very High Currents through PCB Substrates at High Ambient Temperatures, from Schweizer Electronic AG
As Vias Shrink, Opportunities for Laser Drilling Expand, by Dirk Muller
Can Technology Be Too Disruptive? by Doug Bathauer
Karl’s Tech Talk: Digital Imaging Revisited, by Karl Dietz
This month we are paying attention to cycle time and the many ways to reduce it in your process—whatever your process may be. From automation to value stream mapping to lean six-sigma, our contributors have it covered.
This month we are paying attention to cycle time and the many ways to reduce it in your process—whatever your process may be. From automation to value stream mapping to lean six-sigma, our contributors have it covered.
Patty’s Perspective: Cycling Around, by Patty Goldman, I-Connect007
Whelen Engineering Reduces Cycle Time by Building a New Automated PCB Factory, by Barry Matties and Bryan Bernas, I-Connect007
Whelen & IPS: A Strategic Partnership—A Winning Combination by Bryan Bernas
Mutracx: First Install Achieves CAM to Etch in 5 Minutes by Barry Matties
The Economics of Reducing Cycle Time in PCB Fabrication, by Jason Marsh, Insulectro
Practical Application of Lean Six-Sigma to Drive Cycle Time Reduction, Part 1, by Kathy Nargi-Toth, NCAB
Cycle Time Reduction in a Flexible Circuit Facility, by Dave Becker, All Flex
The PCB Marathon, by Renato Peres, Circuibras Circuitos Impressos Profissionais
Breaking the Bottleneck: Electrical Test Cycle Time Reduction, by Todd Kolmodin, Gardien
MacDermid: Redefining Global Strategy, by Barry Matties
Tips for Time-Critical PCBs, by Tara Dunn, Omni PCB
Plant Culture: a Direct Contributor to Quality, Output and Predictable Manufacturing, by Andy Thomson, EchoStar
Electronics in automobiles is increasing exponentially. We get under the hood and examine the proliferation of electronics in cars, what it’s like to be a supplier of PCBs destined for the automotive market, and where it is headed.
As you’ve probably noticed, electronics in automobiles is increasing exponentially. This month, our feature contributors get under the hood and examine the proliferation of electronics in cars, what it’s like to be a supplier of PCBs destined for the automotive market, and where this market is headed.
Detroit vs. Silicon Valley: What’s Driving the Proliferation of Automotive Electronics? by Jason Marsh, Insulectro
Automotive Technology: the Next Driving Force in Electronic Manufacturing, by Dan Feinberg, FeinLine Associates Inc.
Computer on Wheels, by Steve Williams, The Right Approach Consulting
Becoming an Automotive Supplier: Proceed with Caution, by Yash Sutariya, Saturn Flex Systems
How to Handle Short Development Cycles, by Davian Larente, Marquardt Switches Automotive Group
Car Makers Now Embracing Plasma Treatment: an Interview with Nordson MARCH, by Barry Matties, I-Connect007
Final Surface Finishes for Automotive: No One-Size-Fits-All Solution, by Tara Dunn, Omni PCB
The Impact of Automotive Trends on China’s PCB Supply Chain, an interview with Shengyi Technology Co. Ltd., by Edy Yu, I-Connect007
Columns
Patty’s Perspective: Cars, Cars, Cars! by Patty Goldman, I-Connect007
Karl’s Tech Talk: Dry Film Photoresist Structure and Composition, by Karl Dietz, Karl Dietz Consulting LLC
This month, we take on failure, and a few industry experts are on hand to back us up! Topics range from the power of systems when combating failure and how supplier improvement drives product improve-ment, to avoiding circuit failure in high-rel applications and the copper plating process.
This month, The PCB Magazine is taking on failure, and a few industry experts are on hand to back us up! Topics range from the power of systems when combating failure and how supplier improvement drives product improve-ment, to avoiding circuit failure in high-rel applications and the copper plating process.
ARTICLES
The War on Process Failure by Patty Goldman
The War on Failure by David Dibble
Fighting the War on Failure with Supplier Analytics: An Interview with Fane Friberg
Latent Short Circuit Failure in High-Rel PCBs due to Cleanliness of PCB Processes and Base Materials by Stan Heltzel
Feature Summary: Declaring War on Failure in Electronics by Stephen Las Marias
Plating and Quality are Close Partners by Bob Tarzwell
Designing Flex Circuits for Domestic Prototyping by Tara Dunn
This month, The PCB Magazine takes an in-depth view of the supply chain—from various approaches to making it work for you, to what history has shown about its many iterations, and how some suppliers are setting the bar very high for the future of supply chain management.
This month, The PCB Magazine takes an in-depth view of the supply chain—from various approaches to making it work for you, to what history has shown about its many iterations, and how some suppliers are setting the bar very high for the future of supply chain management.
Columns
More…
Do you have some expertise of your own to share with the readers of The PCB Magazine? We welcome your ideas for a feature article or column. Please drop us a line!
This month, a comprehensive view of the scope of flex circuit technology is presented in features from OM Group, Multek, DuPont, ESI, and more.
This month, a comprehensive view of the scope of flex circuit technology is presented in features from OM Group, Multek, DuPont, ESI, and more.
Featured Articles
Featured Columns
This month, features from Michael Carano, (Carano & Associates), a team from Dow Chemicals Company, and George Milad (Uyemura) share their perspectives on plating and etching issues.
This month, features from Michael Carano, (Carano & Associates), a team from Dow Chemicals Company, and George Milad (Uyemura) share their perspectives on plating and etching issues.
Features:
Optimization of Acid Copper Electrodeposition Processes for High-Throwing Power DC Plating by Michael Carano
Electroplating Through-Holes with Different Geometry: A Novel and High-Productivity Process by Elie Najjar, et al.
ENEPIG: The Plating Process by George Milad
The Importance of Harmonized Standards that Benefit All: An Interview with Amphenol's Sean Keating by Pete Starkey
Columns
Best Practices 101: Part 7 by Steve Williams
Quick-Turn Circuit Board Shops by Karl Dietz
This month, HDI gets the scrutiny of industrial professionals from TTM Technologies, Multek, and Gardien Services, who discuss the challenges of ultra-thin HDI PCB manufacturing, and how HDI relates to the Internet of Things (IoT) and substrate test fixtures.
This month, high density interconnect gets the scrutiny of industrial professionals from TTM Technologies, Multek, and Gardien Services, who discuss the challenges of ultra-thin HDI PCB manufacturing, and how HDI relates to the Internet of Things (IoT) and substrate test fixtures.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features
Next-Generation Ultra-Thin HDI PCB Manufacturing Challenges by Tarja Rapala-Virtanen, Erkko Helminen and Timo Jokela
High-Density Interconnects: Enabling the Intelligence of Things by William Beckenbaugh, Ph.D. and Joan K. Vrtis, Ph.D.
Splitting Hairs: The Manufacture of HDI and Substrate Test Fixtures by Todd Kolmodin
The Challenges of the Fast-Moving Wearables Market - an Interview with Dr. Joan Vrtis by Barry Matties
Columns
Best Practices 101: Part 6 by Steve Williams
Copper Discoloration and Other Concerns with OSP by Michael Carano
Electrical Test: Surface Finish vs. Water Marks by Todd Kolmodin
Design Considerations: Flexible Circuit vs. Traditional PCB by John Talbot
This month, feature contributors from Isola, Ventec, OMG and Spirit Circuits examine the range of materials for multiple applications, including flame retardancy, high-speed designs, reliability testing and LED applications.
Features:
Columns:
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This month, industry experts from OMG Electronic Chemicals, Uyemura, Atotech and the University of Leicester are on hand to dive deep into surface finishes, from OSPs for mixed-metal finishes to cutting-edge high-reliability surface finishes.
From our cover story on OSPs for mixed-metal finishes, contributed by industry veteran Michael Carano, to George Milad’s comprehensive look at IPC final finish specs, the February issue is bringing surface finishes front and center. Also contributing features this month: Rick Nichols (Atotech) who sheds light on the future of nickel in final finishes, and Andy Ballantyne et al., (University of Leicester) who detail HASLEN, a new high-rel surface finish for PCBs.
Features
Columns and More...
3D printing is happening, and it’s happening fast. What does this mean for PCB manufacturing and structural electronics? Find out this month in The PCB Magazine!
This month, The PCB Magazine feature contributors, including Dr. Jon Harrop (IDTechEx), Arjen Koppens (Dima Group B.V.), Karl D.D. Willis, Ph.D. (Autodesk), and Simon Fried (NanoDimension Ltd.) explore 3D printing and structural electronics. Find out what these technologies are bringing to the industry, plus columns, news highlights, events and MORE!
Features
Columns
This month, The PCB Magazine looks to the horizon at new and emerging interconnects, with features by BPA and Ormet, along with a comprehensive collaboration between nScrypt and the University of Texas, El Paso.
This month, The PCB Magazine looks to the horizon at new and emerging interconnects, with features by BPA and Ormet, along with a comprehensive collaboration between nScrypt and the University of Texas, El Paso.
Navigating the industry’s standards and regulations can be a lot like surfing a killer wave: One misstep and you could wipe out!
Navigating the industry’s standards and regulations can be a lot like surfing a killer wave: One misstep and you could wipe out! As EIPC Technical Director Michael Weinhold discusses with I-Connect007’s Pete Starkey, are standards and regulations a threat, or an advantage? Also on hand: Dan Gamota, who addresses standards for the monetization of PE, Dennis Fritz on the newly developing efforts of CAMEST, and IPC’s Dave Torp.
This month, The PCB Magazine presents the many sides of flex and rigid-flex circuits, which have myriad applications in just about every sector of the electronics industry.
This month, The PCB Magazine presents the many sides of flex and rigid-flex circuits, which have myriad applications in just about every sector of the electronics industry. Their ability to be formed into complex three-dimensional geometries, or to withstand multiple cycles during their functional life, adds a third dimension to the concept of the interconnecting substrate.
Our features this month question whether or not PCB manufacturers should even pursue the automotive electronics market due to design challenges.
This month, features from Saturn, BPA Consultants, Zuken and Delphi take on some big questions, beginning with whether or not a PCB manufacturer should even pursue the automotive electronics market, to the power of MiB, and other design challenges.
We demystify the often complex world of military electronics and DoD spending, demonstrate the utility of applications engineering to design and manufacturing of PCBs and explore the intersection of unmanned vehicles and electronics technology.
This month, STRATeVU’s Steve DeWaters demystifies the often complex world of military electron-ics and DoD spending, while Graphic Plc’s Ashley Luxton demonstrates the utility of applications engineering to PCB design and manufacturing. Finally, Circuit Solutions’ John Vaughan explores the intersection of unmanned vehicle systems and electronics technology.
This month, our feature columnists are explor-ing their various areas of expertise in the PCB industry by taking a look back, and forward, to where the industry is headed both domestically and globally.
This month, our feature columnists are explor-ing their various areas of expertise in the PCB industry by taking a look back, and forward, to where the industry is headed both domestically and globally.
FEATURES
The Wrap Up by Ray Rasmussen
2013: A Look Back, by Steve Williams
Can Scrap be Beaten? A Strategy for 2014 and Beyond by Gray McQuarrie
ARTICLES
Automated Optical Rework Replaces Manual Method by Bert Kelley
Why Procuring Flexible Printed Circuitry is Different by Thomas Stearns
COLUMNS
Achieving Fine Lines and Spaces: Part 2 by Michael Carano
Phototools, Part B, by Karl Dietz
The December issue is our end of year wrap up with an eye on 2015: What's on the horizon for the fab industry, at home and abroad?
Our industry experts, including Francesca Stern, Canice Chung, Dominique Numakura, and Sharon Starr tackle the year ahead with their perspective on what’s in store for the PCB industry in 2015, including North America, the Eurozone and Asia.
Features:
Columns
This month, industry experts from Starfish Medical, Dyconex AG, Micro Systems Tech., & Nypro discuss the latest progress in medical applications for PCBs.
Features
Columns
More
This month: end markets for PCBs! From the future of the domestic mil/aero market (looking good!) to wearables, automobiles, very thin PCBs for smartphones, and more!
Features
Columns
More
Don’t forget: If you have some expertise of your own to share in the form of a feature article or column, or just want to share some feedback with us on something you’ve read on our pages, please drop us a line!
LPKF, Optomec and Transline Technology explore up and coming technologies for PCB fabrication, layout and more.
Table of Contents
Features
Columns
More…
Don’t forget: If you have some expertise of your own to share in the form of a feature article or column, or just want to share some feedback with us on something you’ve read on our pages, please drop us a line!
What is the story with printed electronics? Where have they been and where are they going? Most importantly, how are they being used in today’s market?
What is the story with printed electronics? Where have they been and where are they going? Most importantly, how are they being used in today’s market? These questions and more are addressed by this month's feature contributors from IPC, OE-A, and more. Features
This month, The PCB Magazine feature contributors take an in-depth look at embedded components, including our cover story by EIPC’s Michael Weinhold:Device Embedding in PCBs: Evolution or Revolution
Our July line-up includes our cover story byEIPC’s Michael Weinhold: Device Embedding in PCBs: Evolution or Revolution? Other feature contributors include John Andresakis, et al. (Oak Mitsui), Daniel Brandler and Manuel Herrera (Ohmega Technologies Inc.), and Todd Kramer (Secure Components).
This month, The PCB Magazine features industry experts who discuss all things flex: from substrates to hybrid stretchable circuits to 3D packaging tools and more! Don’t miss it!
This month, our cover feature by Scott Gordon (DuPont Teijin Films) explores polyester films for the flex industry. Inside features include articles from A. Robinson, et al., (Journal of Applied Physics), who take a look at hybrid stretchable circuits; Joe Fjelstad (Verdant Electronics) discussing some basic principles of PTF flex circuits; and All Flex’s Dave Becker, who examines 3D packaging tools.
Don’t forget: Real Time with…video from IPC APEX EXPO, a brand new I-Connect007 Panel Discussion (What’s New in Flex?) columns, and more, including Pete Starkey’s update on the ECWC13 held in Nuremberg, Germany in May.
This month, we bring you a line-up of experts who explore both common and unique plating & etching issues, techniques and challenges.
This month, our features include industry veteran Mike Carano, who brings a detailed look at direct metallization for complex IC designs in this month’s cover feature; Henning Huebner and a team from Atotech, Germany, explore the challenges of copper filling of BMVs, and Dr. Andy Cobley et al., from Coventry University, U.K., share their findings on the effect of low frequency ultrasound on catalysed electroless copper plating.
We’re also bringing you fresh Real Time with...videos from IPC APEX EXPO 2014, an in-depth panel discussion video Has Outsourcing Lost its Luster? sponsored by Prototron Circuits, interesting columns and more!
This month, the realm of HDI is explored, with features that delve into the issue of high-layer count multilayers, reliability, pinless registration & even bridging the divide between design & fabrication. Plus: IPC APEX EXPO show coverage!
Our feature line-up this month includes a co-authored cover story from Happy Holden (didn’t he retire?) and Mike Carano, who teamed up to provide an up-to-date look at the challenges of high-layer count multilayers. Plus, Paul Reid lends his expertise into HDI reliability, Raytheon’s Dan Smith offers his unique perspective on bridging the gap between design and fabrication, andVictor Lázaro Gallego walks us through the pinless registration process for multilayer in a Real Time with…feature video. Don’t miss our IPC APEX EXPO show coverage, with interviews, overviews and pictures from the show floor!
It’s March materials madness in The PCB Magazine, with comprehensive coverage of materials, including features from leading experts at Ventec, Celestica, FTG, Rogers, Isolaand an IPC APEX EXPO pre-show guide!
Our comprehensive line-up this month includes our cover story by Ventec’s Ian Mayoh (Materials for High Operating Temperatures), plus more than a half-dozen other features from industry leaders at Celestica, FTG, Rogers, Isola, Dupont and more! Don’t miss our IPC APEX EXPO pre-show guide with schedules, offerings and featured programs.
This month, The PCB Magazine brings the ins and outs of CAD/CAM especially for fabricators to the forefront with feature articles from the industry’s top experts.
This month, experts from Altium (Ben Jordon),CadSoft (Mark Toth), Mentor Graphics (Julian Coates), and Prototron Circuits (Mark Thompson) bring you in-depth articles that detail the ins and outs of CAD/CAM for fabricators. Plus: Columns, Real Time with… and more!
This month, The PCB Magazine brings surface finishes to the forefront with feature articles from the industry’s top experts. Plus, special content from productronica 2013!
This month, experts from Uyemura, Epec, and Fischer Technology take a deep look into surface finishes, including newest processes, pros and cons of available surface finishes, and more!
Don’t miss our productronica 2013 coverage, including thoughts from Pete Starkey and photos from the show floor!
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